The Chicago White Sox have been one of the more impressive teams this offseason, making some under-the-radar moves to improve after a difficult 2025 season. The team has been looking to take that next step, and making a major decision on one of their stars is critical this year. Whether they keep him on the team or trade him will give everyone an indication of how the team is doing, so let’s take a look at the White Sox’s biggest trade candidate heading into the 2026 season.
Luis Robert Jr. was mentioned as a potential trade candidate in 2026
MLB: Chicago White Sox at Detroit Tigers Sep 29, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) receives congratulations from teammates after scoring in the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
MLB’s Mark Feinsand published a list of players who are the biggest trade candidates and listed Chicago’s center fielder Luis Robert Jr. on this list. Below is the snippet he wrote on the 28-year-old former All-Star:
“What would a list of trade candidates be without Robert, who has been a potential trade chip for the White Sox for the past two years. Robert completed his six-year, $50 million deal last season, but Chicago exercised the first of its two $20 million club options, bringing the 28-year-old back for another season. With an identical option available for 2027, a trade would offer an acquiring club two years of control, and while the White Sox have made some nice moves this offseason, Robert doesn’t figure to be around by the time they are ready to contend. Robert played better down the stretch last season (.798 OPS, five home runs, 19 RBIs and 11 stolen bases in his final 34 games), but the White Sox may need him to get off to a good start in 2026 to inflate his trade value further.”
Robert Jr. has shown flashes of what he could do on the field as a strong center fielder. He played 110 games last season and finished with a .661 OPS with 14 home runs, 53 RBI, 52 runs scored, and 33 stolen bases on 41 tries. A change of scenery could be the difference in performing better, but with the White Sox signing corner infielder Munetaka Murakami, they may look to keep Robert around with more protection in the lineup. It will be intriguing to see if he could return to his 2023 numbers this year.
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